Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sexual Chocolate...Just Kidding, Mom

Our topic for today is how different authors get in the "mood" to write. There are many answers to that question and it varies from writer to writer. I've read that some authors can only write at night, some can only write in perfect silence, and others like to surround themselves with loud noises and people. There really isn't a wrong way to do it although I believe one of the most productive ways to write is to set a writing schedule and write at the same time everyday.

Now when I say I believe that's the most productive way that doesn't mean it's what I do. Writing is my second career choice, my first being domestic engineer. I love both jobs, but because of this I need to be flexible in order to keep my writing life and my family life in balance. With three of my four kids in school you would think I'd have lots of time to write, but you would be wrong. My almost five year old stays at home with me and without his siblings to keep him occupied I am the main source of entertainment for him.

I can sit down with my laptop with every intention to get some writing done when my son suddenly needs a second breakfast or help typing in his "passcode" (password) for Club Penguin or whatever child appropriate website he's interested in at the time. The getting up and down to help him with all his needs leaves me unable to focus. I can't say this is a bad thing because honestly I tend to zone out when I'm writing. I can have the best intentions to only write for thirty minutes and end up spending several hours. This would leave my son to fend for himself and I don't want the Internet raising him. (I prefer to let the television do that. ;)

So how do I get into a writing mood? Music. It's a big motivator for me. It's gets me into a writing mindset. I listen to different types of music depending on what I plan on writing that day. If I need to write a fight scene then I listen to something with a fast tempo and strong beat. If I'm trying to write a romantic scene I listen to a love song. I think you get where I'm going with this. Music has a big influence on my writing.

So what are my favorites? There are several songs that even now when I hear them it immediately brings me to certain parts in my books. One of those songs are All Around Me by Flyleaf. I love that song. If I had to pick a theme song for Forbidden that would be it. I listened to Snow Patrol's Eyes Open album a lot while writing Forbidden as well as Second Serenade's Fall For You and Vulnerable, Celtic Women for obvious reasons, Timberland's The Way I Are, and Erin McCarley's Love Save the Empty to name a few. I also listened to quiet a bit of classical music.

The list goes on and on depending on what book I was writing at the time. I use music to get into my writing mood. I also prefer it to be quiet if possible and if I had to choose I would probably have to say night time is my favorite time to write, but I'm not too picky. Give me my laptop, my Zune, and few uninterrupted minutes and I'm a happy girl.